The Desert will Bloom

“The desert and the parched land will exult; ​the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, ​and rejoice with joyful song.” 

Isaiah 35:1-2

How do we make the desert bloom with flowers and fruit? Is it even possible? At the Ramat Negev Agro-Research Center in Israel, we see that it is. Acacia trees, cherry tomatoes, pumpkins, mushrooms, Asian greens, potatoes, strawberries, sweet peppers, exotic mushrooms, many more vegetables, fruits and super foods bloom in arid desert farms. People come from all over the world to learn how to grow food in the desert and how to fight desertification victoriously. 

What do they do exactly? Scientists and other experts found that if you irrigate plants with brackish water, it is important to direct the water to the roots. The somewhat salty water should never touch the leaves or the salt in the water will harm the leaves. This is somewhat contrary to some other studies, but the proof is in what Israel’s drip-irrigation system has accomplished. 

Taking from this lesson, I think we should realize that if we are in a desert circumstance, we will only bloom if we drink deeply of the water God provides. The Bible speaks of the water of life that quenches our spiritual thirst. If we only have a superficial sprinkling that does not reach the depths of our souls and spirit, it will not be of any use to us. It may even harm us. 

In John 7: 37-39 Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” ' 

Father, may I be refreshed by Your Spirit, may I read Your Word every day, and be nourished by You.